Showing papers in "Annals of The Icrp in 2022"

ICRP PUBLICATION 152 Approved by the Commission in November 2021

Abstract: Radiation detriment is a concept developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection to quantify the burden of stochastic effects from low-dose and/or low-dose-rate exposures to the human population. It is determined from the lifetime risks of cancer for a set of organs and tissues and the risk of heritable effects, taking into account the severity of the consequences. This publication provides a historical review of detriment calculation methodology since ICRP Publication 26, with details of the procedure developed in ICRP Publication 103, which clarifies data sources, risk models, computational methods, and rationale for the choice of parameter values. A selected sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify the parameters and calculation conditions that can be major sources of variation and uncertainty in the calculation of radiation detriment. It has demonstrated that sex, age at exposure, dose and dose-rate effectiveness factor, dose assumption in the calculation of lifetime risk, and lethality fraction have a substantial impact on radiation detriment values. Although the current scheme of radiation detriment calculation is well established, it needs to evolve to better reflect changes in population health statistics and progress in scientific understanding of radiation health effects. In this regard, some key parameters require updating, such as the reference population data and cancer severity. There is also room for improvement in cancer risk models based on the accumulation of recent epidemiological findings. Finally, the importance of improving the comprehensibility of the detriment concept and the transparency of its calculation process is emphasised. © 2022 ICRP. Published by SAGE.

Clarity, transparency, and accountability

Abstract: The concept of radiation detriment is central to the System of Radiological Protection (hereafter, ‘the System’). It is a measure of harm to human health due to cancer and heritable effects from low-dose and/or low-dose-rate exposures to ionising radiation. This helps set dose limits and allows comparisons with other harms and benefits when considering justification and optimisation of protection.

Laying the foundations for Radiological Protection in Veterinary Practice

Abstract: Initially concerned with the application of ionising radiation in medicine, radiological protection has subsequently gone through many phases, and the framework developed by the Commission has evolved continually to embrace other categories of exposure and novel exposure situations. For much of the Western world, medicine is now again the principal source of additional exposures for humans, and it has therefore been the subject of considerable attention in recent years, particularly because the techniques used are advancing so rapidly. What often comes as a surprise, however, is that virtually all of these techniques are being applied increasingly in the field of veterinary medicine. Some advances, such as the use of digital radiography, are to be expected, but the use of computed tomography scanners is increasing enormously, particularly with more second-hand equipment becoming available. The whole gamut of techniques used, from interventional radiology to nuclear medicine, including unsealed source therapy as well as brachyand teletherapy, are now also applied in veterinary practice. Nevertheless, it may still be easy to consider that the subject of radiation exposure in this field is little different from that of human medical practice, given that the equipment is much the same. However, that would be a mistake for a number of reasons.

ICRP PUBLICATION 153 Approved by the Commission in September 2022

Abstract: Veterinary use of radiation in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of disease has expanded and diversified, as have the corresponding radiological protection concerns. Radiological exposure of personnel involved in veterinary procedures and, where applicable, members of the public providing assistance (e.g. owners or handlers) has always been included within the system of radiological protection. Veterinary practice is now addressed explicitly as the modern complexities associated with this practice warrant dedicated consideration, and there is a need to clarify and strengthen the application of radiological protection principles in this area. The Commission recommends that the system of radiological protection should be applied in veterinary practice principally for the protection of humans, but with explicit attention to the protection of exposed animals. Additionally, consideration should be given to the risk of potential contamination of the environment associated with applications of nuclear medicine in veterinary practice. This publication focuses primarily on justification and optimisation in veterinary practice, and sets the scene for more detailed guidance to follow in future Recommendations. It is intended for a wide-ranging audience, including radiological protection professionals, veterinary staff, students, education and training providers, and members of the public, as an introduction to radiological protection in veterinary practice. © 2022 ICRP. Published by SAGE.